Unseen Aware is a movement designed to create a truly inclusive experience for the many millions of customers and employees with disabilities you just don’t see...
In the UK, around 21% of the population has a disability. But of all the people with a disability, over 80% have one that is "invisible" or "hidden". These latter terms are quite negative, so we say "unseen".
There are hundreds of different unseen disabilities and conditions, but some include:
Employees of organisations that have joined the Unseen Aware movement have access to some initial training ("Becoming An Unseen Disabilities Ally"). On completing this, they understand, and are committed to, the following principles:
Staff who have completed the initial training are awarded a badge which tells you that they have received some training in unseen disability awareness. It doesn't make them experts in all unseen disabilities or conditions, but they have greater understanding and empathy.
Staff understanding is supplemented on a weekly basis (delivered via email), by lived experience interviews and further information to help them create the best possible inclusive experience.
The Unseen Aware movement caters for a range of organisations. The foundational training, providing your staff with the key principles to become an Unseen Disabilities Ally is online, and there are currently 3 pathways to choose from. It is also possible to customise the content - contact us for more details.
The 3 pathways are:
Customer-Facing - for organisations that have employees working in retail, hospitality, travel and tourism, and in functions that are customer-facing such as Sales.
Patient-Facing - for organisations that have employees who are clinical...be it in a hospital, GP practice, or other clinical setting.
Colleague-Facing - for employees in departments or teams that are traditionally office-based, such as legal, IT, HR, Finance and Operations - employees that are working closely together, but are not particularly customer-focused, nor clinical.
Because organisations can mix and match the pathways, they can ensure their entire workforce can benefit, and create that inclusive environment.
We're delighted to announce that Festival Place, in Basingstoke is the first retail centre that has joined the Unseen Aware movement! With over 140 retailers within Festival Place, there is something for everyone, and now, with Unseen Aware, they are more inclusive than ever.
Take a look at how Unseen Aware is transforming their customer's experience...
If you visit one of the organisations that are Unseen Aware, and for whatever reason, you need support - for example, if you are deaf, have a vision impairment, or have autism, and are struggling, look out for staff who are wearing the badge.
Let them know you have an unseen disability or condition, and that you'd like some help. They'll be only too happy to assist!
They are not experts in unseen disabilities, but they have greater awareness and understanding, and are there for you if you need them. You don't need to tell them that you have a condition or disability, but if you think it will help, just let them know you have an unseen disability, and that you are looking for some assistance.
The Unseen Aware movement needs you! If you are interested in learning more about Unseen Aware, and would like to join as an individual - come be a Trailblazer! It is free, and you'll learn more about the movement, and how to be more unseen aware. You'll receive regular lived experience interviews ("Unseen in 15"), and more tips on helping your organisation to be more inclusive. On completing the course, you'll receive a special virtual badge that proves you are part of the Unseen Aware movement.
A movement needs trailblazers. Unseen Aware needs YOU!
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